Muslims celebrate Ramadan — the holy month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and studying and reciting the Quran — Feb. 28-March 29. Muslims see the month of Ramadan as a time to become closer to God through reflection and divine revelations. It is also a time for families and loved ones to gather and celebrate.
Not very familiar with Ramadan? Here are five ways to learn more with your children:
1. Teach children Ramadan greetings
During Ramadan, faithful Muslims greet one other by saying "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan) or "Ramadan Kareem" (Have a generous Ramadan). Practice with your kids!
2. Craft a crescent moon and star
The Muslim year follows a lunar calendar and the sighting of the crescent moon marks the beginning of a new month. This is especially significant at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when the sighting of the crescent moon marks the end of the fasting period. Kids can make a crescent moon and star out of two paper plates to decorate for Ramadan.
What you need:
- Two white paper plates
- Gold paint
- Black paint
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Glue
Directions:
- Use one paper plate to trace the shape of a crescent moon onto the other, then cut it out.
- Draw a star with your pencil on the other side of the cut plate, and cut out the star.
- Paint your moon and star gold. Paint the whole plate black.
- Glue the moon and star to the black painted plate.
- You can hang your moon and star in a window by adding a hole near the top of the plate and tying on string.
3. Spend time in the kitchen together
Because most practicing Muslim adults fast from sunrise to sundown during Ramadan, meals are hearty and filling. Dates are the traditional food used to break fast. Try this simple recipe, featuring stuffed dates. It's easy enough kids can help!
Ingredients:
- 20 pitted dates, preferably Medjool dates.
- 20 almonds
- 4 oz whipped cream cheese
Directions:
Slice partway through the dates and remove any seeds. Stuff each date with cream cheese and an almond. Want it sweeter? Mix a teaspoon of honey into your cream cheese!
